Fun at the Park

My Funny Little Boy

Parenting is wondrous. It's a roller coaster ride that has you feeling awesome, scared, and nauseous - yet it's such an amazing ride that's worth going on over and over again. That's where Carter and I are at. It's the age three, an age that kind of made me scared in the beginning since there seems to be an ominous warning from parents that número tres is worse than the terrible twos. We are facing some serious whining at times as well as a potty phobia. But we're also squeezing in lots of giggles.

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For instance, the other day, I was playing an upbeat song in the car and Carter said, "Look Mommy! I'm dancing with my tummy!" as he pushed his stomach in and out. He wore a huge smile while he excitedly showed me that he could dance even while tightly strapped into his car seat.

Or how about the goofiness that ensues when Carter sits on the bed as I dance, sing, and act out "Do Re Mi!" from The Sound of Music. My silly routine ends off with a wobbly, dizzied fall to the ground which gets us both laughing hysterically.

There are also cute moments when Carter says "Nice face, Mommy" or "You're my best friend" or "Tell Daddy to stop working." The affection kills me.

And of course, you can't forget the toddler one-liners that are funny in a how-did-you-come-up-with-that way: "The great Carter knows EVERYTHING!!!"

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Like I said, parenting rocks. It's never easy nor perfect and there may be moments in the day when you just want to pull every hair off your head, but nevertheless it is worth it. Everyday, Carter brightens my life in ways that always surprise me and I try to instill as much love as I can into my little boy's heart like he does to mine.

Potty Progress

This past weekend, Carter started potty training. As usual, I did my crazy research. Reading up on methods, tips, and tricks makes me feel a tiny bit more prepared and inevitably more anxious. In most of the mom forums, there was a good mixture of the "Luckily, it was easy for my kid" and "Yep, it was a NIGHTMARE" testimonials. All ended with kids on the toilet seat and so that gave me some hope.

A year ago, the eagerness in me bought a Toy Story potty. My intention wasn't to get Carter diaper-free right away, but to just introduce him to the idea of his own toilet. All he took away was that his potty sang "Yayyyyy!" when it flushed. Aside from that, no interest at all. So, with the fear that I'd traumatize him if I forced him to potty train, we took a step back for a while.

Since then, I've tried to sneak Carter the idea of the potty. We have potty conversations, potty books, and - for goodness sake - potty apps! Still, Carter would whine, "Noooo. Diaperrrr!" My internal response? He's not ready.

Fast forward to Friday night and I was browsing through some parenting articles when potty training popped up. I gave it a quick thought: Carter doesn't like a dirty diaper, he has dry periods of a few hours, and he is already 3. Good signs, right? I mean, Carter can't be attached to his diapers forever. I took that thought with me to bed and had an oddly vivid dream about potty training Carter. And when I woke up, I decided on whim - just like that - that potty training should start right away.

From its hiding spot in Carter's top drawer, I took out his Cars undies (those things are so darn cute!) and put them on him. He whined and asked for his diaper to which I kindly said no. My plan was that I'd train Carter over three days and keep him in his undies at home for the entire time. Also, I had it set in my mind that I would keep my cool during the process.

Accident #1 happened. Carter looked confused. I took his hand and said, "Here, Carter. Let's go to the potty. That's where we go pee!" I definitely didn't want to make him feel badly. When we got to the potty, he stared at the toilet uncomfortably and started to whine. I took his underwear off and explained to him that we wipe with toilet paper (apparently, this is up for discussion among males) and then flush the toilet paper down the potty. He loved the flushing part and willingly put on a new pair of underwear.

After the first accident, I thought I'd try putting him on the potty after lunch - whether he needed to go or not. You know, just to try. This time, potty phobia kicked in. I propped him on the toilet seat and he started bawling like CRAZY as if the toilet was going to hurt him. I tried to calm him, but that just turned into full out tantrum screaming. And so after only 30 seconds, he was off of that seat. The screaming didn't end for another 10 minutes - 10 hard parenting minutes that are really out to test a mom's patience and sanity. I think I passed. I kept my frustrations to myself and let him cool down on his own.

Accident #2 followed. Again, we wiped up, flushed it down, and put on a clean pair of undies. Even though Carter wasn't in his diaper, my gut said that he still was not ready. He wasn't letting me know of any "sensations" and he would cry when I even mentioned trying again.

By Saturday night, Carter was in his diaper. He just wasn't ready. And we are totally fine with that. To us, it isn't a total bust - it's a part of the learning experience. I think the 3-day potty training plans are great and I am glad that they work for other families, but change is hard for toddlers and we are willing to take time to ease Carter into potty training.

Potty training proves to be a tough battle, probably one of the hardest parenting challenges I've faced yet. The amazing thing is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. To my surprise, just before bed, Carter started chatting with me about diapers and the potty. I asked hopefully, "Are you excited to try wearing underwear again?"

"Yes," he said. An awesome sign indeed.

Bath Time Smiles

It's extremely tough to believe that Carter will be three next month. I could have sworn he was born just yesterday. Seriously, two hasn't been that terrible. Two has actually been sweet. Seeing Carter develop into his own person with his own cute sayings and his own hilarious dance moves is amazing. And aside from him managing to squeeze in a few tantrums per day, he knows how to pour a lot of love and happiness into my day too.

Take last night as an example. My little guy has the driest skin and the winter weather has his eczema going out of control. So, before his bedtime, I prepared a super moisturizing bath for him using some oils and butters that I got from a health/natural foods store. I tossed in some fun toys too. When I took Carter to his bath, I was expecting a big fuss - like the usual. Instead, he willingly got in and went right to playing. I put on some "rub-a-dub-dub" tunes (thank you, YouTube!) and Carter smiled and splashed away while I bathed him.

The moment was so lovely and pure. In Carter's eyes, I could see that he wasn't just enjoying playing in the water - he loved that I was right there with him. I adore spending time with my still-two-year-old and I'll never forget moments like this.

For the Love of Snow!

Today, I bundled Carter up to take him to visit his grandma. My version of the term "bundled" should not be taken lightly. Poor guy was layered like crazy that he resembled the little brother from The Christmas Story (hopefully you know what I am referring to).

Snow covered the entire street and even more blew in the wind. I spent a while brushing the snow off of my car - and complaining to myself about how much I hated it. After we left home, I caught myself complaining again about the weather and the cold and how slippery the roads were. And in the middle of this rant to myself, a little piece of clarity blessed my mind... Why complain? What good does it do? It was like a little angel on my shoulder telling me to be positive and thankful. I mean, if Carter loves the snow despite how cold it is, then I am just missing its beauty.

I once loved the snow too. I would spend hours building forts and making angels in snow that was waist-deep. And though I may currently prefer to gaze at the snowy winter wonderland from indoors by a fireplace, my son loves to frolic in it. It makes him smile. And it is a part of the fabric of a country that gives him safety and freedom.

Just like that, my complaints are out the window and snow isn't all that bad.

The Flu Caught Us!

It's undeniably what everyone is talking (and complaining) about lately - a severe and early flu season that has many North Americans stuck in bed. After we got back from Florida, the flu made a round at our house and I was in bed for a good three days. I don't think I have had the flu that bad in at least three or four years. Anyways, Carter stayed at his grandma's for a few of those days so that he wouldn't catch it.

That went well, but it seems that the flu crept up on us anyways. Carter, who felt perfectly fine yesterday, woke up today coughing like crazy - so badly that he was throwing up. So, he's been in bed all day while I've been putting my mom mode on turbo to take care of my little man. It's the worst feeling when your kid is sick, isn't it? Hopefully this flu passes quickly.

A Date With Carter

Lately, at some point in each day, Carter has been saying the FUNNIEST things that make me go, "Where did you get that from?!" Most of the time he sounds like there's a teenager trapped in his little two-year-old body.

Just as an example, when I wake him up in the morning, he says in his sleepy voice, "Noooo. I want to sleep in bed, Mommy." And then he hides under the blanket, covering himself from the light.

These moments are reminders that time is flying. So, when I have a day off to spend with Carter, I take advantage of it. Yesterday, we spent the entire day together ... just us two. And lucky for you, I vlogged it!

It's Baking Season!

Waking up on November 1st felt ridiculously amazing - we had a great Halloween and it was the official start of the Christmas season (for us Christmas crazies at least)! I used to think I was the only one who was whipping out the Christmas spirit the day after Halloween... that was until the other day when I saw all these other ladies on Twitter and Facebook proclaiming the start of their holiday fun too!

Just a note, the tree and decorations don't go up until the first week of December, but we do like to let our Christmas cheer out nice and early in November. And that includes activities like baking!

This weekend, Carter and I baked classic shortbread cookies. He stood on a chair next to me as we mixed the ingredients. He even had his own little mixing bowl for some extra creative fun and he kneaded the dough with his pudgy, flour-covered hands. Carter continued to help every step of the way - from making different shapes with cookie cutters to placing the cookies on the baking sheet.

While waiting for the cookies to bake, Carter watched Max and Ruby and I cleaned up the kitchen. Once our delicious creations were ready, I served a few on Carter's plate along with chocolate milk. And in between munching on his cookies, my little baker said, "Mommy, that was fun."

A Sweet Moment

As a mom, waking up extra early can be a struggle - especially when yesterday's exhaustion refuses to leave the building. Although, when I turn my bedside lamp on and the light is highlighting my precious boy's face as he sleeps, my day is instantly made. I can't help but stand there, stare, and ask myself why I am so lucky to call him mine. After falling in and out of my tiny daze, you can definitely bet that I dash for my camera and take a few photos to capture exactly how beautiful the moment is.

Carter's First Concert

This past September, I made a super last minute decision. I bought Carter, Kyle, and myself tickets to see the Wiggles in concert. They were on their very last tour - three of them are retiring - and I scooped up the chance while it was there. When Carter heard the spur-of-the-moment news, he bounced all over the house and did his signature hip shaking move.

However, once we got to the venue, the kiddo craziness quieted Carter down. The only time he took a break from observing the madness was when he saw the colorful concert stage. He went silent again as we waited for the concert to begin. Parents and tots spilled in, some with handmade bristol board signs, others with roses for Dorothy the Dinosaur. The lights slowly dimmed and...

The four singing Wiggles burst out from behind the backdrop in their big red car! 

Carter stared for a few moments as if he needed the moment to process that his favorite singers were right in front of this eyes. In no time, he was clapping away and singing along. And of course, there was wiggling going on too! How can you resist dancing when you're having so much fun, right?

It was a great first concert and I am thankful we experienced it as a family together.

A Happy Halloween

Carter galloped in circles on the porch, unbothered by the long johns, tracksuit, and Captain America costume I layered on him. My fingers spun the camera lens left and right and back again. It is always a fight trying to capture Carter's cute moments. No shutter speed is fast enough. After I got a few decent shots, I grabbed my little Captain America's hands and his third Halloween began.

Holding his canvas trick or treat bag, he marched on over to the neighbor's front door. I rang the doorbell and then distanced myself a few steps behind - a mini test just to see how he would do on his own. The rain drizzled as the door opened. "Trick or treaaaaat!" My eyes widened. Carter pulled the bag's straps apart and a handful of candy danced all the way to its bottom. "Thank youuuuu!" Carter swiftly turned around and skipped towards the sidewalk. "Next house! Next house!" I still had a case of the wide eyes. Who was this independent kid in front of me?

The more houses we visited, the more Carter's excitement grew. Not only was he on a roll, but he kept track of the new treasures that filled his bag. "Mommy, I got more chips!" I looked through my lens and over my shoulder to see a close-up of Kyle's big smile cuddling under the yellow umbrella. He and I didn't mind the cold rain. We just giggled behind our Captain America.

And when the last treat reached the top of the bag, Carter's enthusiasm still brightened the quiet streets. He narrated the highlights of his Halloween night to us while we strolled back to the house. My heart sang at the sight of his darling smile and the knowing that he loved his third Halloween.

Now, our family of three is fully stocked up on happiness and sweets - a combination that can never go wrong.